TPA News – January 2016

Latest Prog News – taken from across the progressive rock spectrum and continually updated throughout January 2016.

30/01/16: O.R.k Inflamed Rides Tour 2016

O.R.k Inflamed Rides Tour 2016 starts on 4th February in Rome and includes signature gigs at the De Borderij, Zoetermeer in the Netherlands on 17th February, London’s Camden Underworld on 21st February, and the Spirit Of ’66, Verviers, Belgium on 22nd February.

O.R.k featuring Porcupine Tree and Obake bassist Colin Edwin, and King Crimson drummer Pat Mastellotto, together with Lorenzo Esposito and Carmele Pipitone, have embarked on a month long tour of Europe, taking in Italy, Holland, UK and Germany.

28/01/16: Kscope confirm iamthemorning third album release

Kscope are set to release the brand new studio album Lighthouse from Russian progressive duo iamthemorning on 1st April 2016. The new album will feature guest appearances from Gavin Harrison, Colin Edwin and Mariusz Duda.

“Lighthouse is a rich and eclectic album, with echoes of classical music, the Canterbury scene, northern folk, jazz and electronic sounds. Featuring a story of the progression of mental illness, the album takes the listener through the stages with the story’s central character, her attempts to fight it, temporal remission leading to a final breakdown. Lyrically, the works and lives of Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath inspire the album.”

“There will be a new festival logo, website and apparel design launched over the coming weeks. In the meantime, we are very proud to announce, for the first time since 2005, the ENTIRE 2016 Summer’s End line-up!”

22/01/16: Regent release Escapism single taken from debut album

Regent release the Escapism single, taken from their debut album Illusions, set for digital release on 29th January 2016.

“Stemming from original demoes penned by Jonathan Youdale, Illusions marks the debut album of North-East progressive rock band Regent. The five tracks that make up the album combine a 70s sensibility with a contemporary twist…”

“The finished album pays homage to the likes of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells and The Who’s Tommy, playing in its entirety as one seamless track that segues from brooding bass to biting guitars to a haunting closing refrain over its half hour run time.”

22/01/16: Dream Theater premiere Moment Of Betrayal

Taken from the band’s 13th studio album The Astonishing, set for release on 29th January through Roadrunner Records, comes the audio teaser, Moment Of Betrayal.

“Billboard is exclusively premiering the first vocal track from act two, “Moment of Betrayal.” The song is about Gabriel communicating to his brother Arhys that he has a plan that he thinks can save them, “but there’s a betrayal theme that’s going on in the story that comes to a head,” says Petrucci. Listen to the song below:”

“Petrucci conceived the album not just as a double-CD, but as a project that turns “into much, much more.” For instance, he knew he wanted it be the length of an “evening with Dream Theater” concert, which runs at least two hours. When the band embarks on a world tour on Feb. 18, beginning at the Palladium in London, it will present The Astonishing in its entirety, and it booked such venues as symphony halls to make it a special occasion.” Read Billboard’s full article HERE.

21/01/16: Messenger sign to InsideOutMusic for second album

InsideOut Music reveal that the multi-national troupe Messenger, who came together in London in 2012, have signed a deal for the release of their forthcoming second album Threnodies.

Progressive, psychedelic rockers Messenger follow up their well received Illusory Blues (2014) – read TPA’s review HERE – with the release of Threnodies on the 22nd April 2016.

“We’re very excited about our new journey with InsideOut and we hope that this new venture will take the band to the next level” commented the band – and went on to say: “We like to think of it as an evolution of our first release Illusory Blues”.

The band will be touring in the UK with Finland’s Von Hertzen Brothers in March 2016 – visit the TPA Gig Guide for all these shows.

20/01/16: Frequency Drift to release new album in February

Cinematic progressive rock ensemble Frequency Drift will release their seventh studio album, Last, next month. The follow up to the well received Over (2014), will take a slightly different tack is revealed for the latest release.

“…once again hear the complex soundscapes that have been a band trademark since the beginning and that provide the backdrop for the stories of the six Bavarians. This time, though, songwriters and producers Andreas Hack and Nerissa Schwarz have decided to create a livelier, warmer and all in all more challenging big picture.”

19/01/16: Andy Tillison to release third solo album soon

Andy Tillison has announced the release of o his third solo album, Durch, which all being well will be released towards the end of March 2016

Andy comments: “I’m pleased to announce the third in my solo ambient/electronica/anything else series – “Machte Es Durch”. This is the German phrase for “Made It Through” and “Through” is what I hope I am. The album follows my 2007 album “Fog” and the 2010 “Murk”.

The album will feature instrumental music very much inspired by the music of Berlin School Electronica and in fact a centrepiece of the album is a fully developed version of “Transient Loss” a piece written in honour of Edgar Froese of Tangerine Dream who died in 2015. As with the two previous albums the music does deviate quite widely from the central style, extending from time to time into Tangent style territory as well as Jazz and other genres.”

19/01/16: Knifeworld to release third studio album in April

Knifeworld announce the release of their third album, Bottled Out Of Eden, will be released 22nd April 2016 through InsideOut Music.

“Bottled Out Of Eden fuses elements of English psychedelic pop, folk and art rock, with NY minimalist inspired horn arrangements and typically unconventional song structures that take full advantage of the bands 8-piece line-up. The tail end of last year saw that full band out on tour in the UK with their friends in Vennart where they road-tested several songs from the album.”

Kavus Torabi comments:“One aspect of Bottled Out Of Eden is the idea of a self-made Heaven or a self-imposed Hell, that agony or ecstasy are often a choice. I look back on the twenty five years of making the kind of music I do, particularly the last six with Knifeworld and just feel so fortunate for the friendships, experiences and absolute joy it has brought. I wanted the album to be as much about that, a celebration of this all too fleeting life, as it is a reflection on death and its impact on everyone that is left behind.”

19/01/16: Peter Gabriel & Sting announce co-headlining US tour

Genesis News report that Peter Gabriel and Sting will undertake a co-headlining tour of the US this summer, under the banner Rock Paper Scissors.

“A few months ago, we have reported that there may be some Peter Gabriel touring activity planned for 2016 (see news item here). Today, Billboard reports that Peter Gabriel and Sting will be touring together in North America for a 19 dates tour this summer, starting June 21 in Columbus, OH (Nationwide Arena) and they will perform in both, amphitheaters and arena. Sting has already done such a tour with Paul Simon and if that information turns out to be true, it will be a very special event for fans from both, Peter Gabriel and Sting. Peter Gabriel has been working on his new album since he finished his Back To Front tour in late 2014. There’s no information at this point when a new album will be released.”

19/01/16: Dale “Buffin” Griffin and Glenn Frey ~ RIP

Only into the third week of 2016 and it is not turning out to be a good one as we say farewell to former Mott The Hoople drummer and producer Dale Griffin and Eagles legend Glenn Frey. Both musicians were 67.

Taken from the Mott The Hoople website:“Aged 58 Dale was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease just as he had worked tirelessly over the years to bring about the reformation of his beloved Mott The Hoople and in 2009 the band reformed for a five night sell out Hammersmith Apollo 40th anniversary concerts of the original five founder members. Having been just diagnosed Dale only performed during the band encores with The Pretenders drummer Martin Chambers, also from Herefordshire and a friend playing the set and also covering for Dale on the 2013 Mott The Hoople tour.”

Mick Ralphs posted the following message:“Very sad news about the passing of Dale “Buffin” Griffin. A lovely gentleman, and a monster behind the drums. RIP Buffin.”

Taken from the Eagles website:“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our comrade, Eagles founder, Glenn Frey, in New York City on Monday, January 18th, 2016. Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia. The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery. Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community and millions of fans worldwide.”

Don Henley posted the following tribute:“But, Glenn was the one who started it all. He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn’t quit. He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven…”

19/01/16: Public Service Broadcasting announce new European dates for 2016

18/01/16: Arena XX trailer

Metal Mind Productions preview material from the forthcoming Arena XX DVD, set for release in February 2016. Recorded last year at Katowice’s Kinoteatr Rialto and during the Polish leg of the band’s 20th Anniversary Tour – The Unquiet Sky. More details, including the track listing, can be found in the TPA January 2016 News update – scroll to the bottom of this page).

15/01/16: Lazuli new album update

Lazuli have announced the imminent release of their sixth album,Nos âmes saoules, although no official release date has been confirmed. However the band reveal that the album is currently in the physical production stage and should arrive with them later this month.

14/01/16: Headspace stream track from new album to be released next month

Headspace have issued an audio teaser, Your Life Will Change, taken from their second album All That You Fear Is Gone scheduled for release next month.

The line up for Your Life Will Change is Damian Wilson (vocals) Adam Wakeman (keyboards) Pete Rinaldi (guitar), Lee Pomeroy (bass) and Adam Falkner (drums).

The album will be released on 26th February 2016 through InsideOut Music – the follow up to 2012’s I Am Anonymous.

13/01/16: Fractal Mirror release third album next month

In February 2016, Fractal Mirror will release their latest album, Slow Burn, the follow up to the critically acclaimed, award nominated Garden of Ghosts, released in November 2014.

“Eleven loosely connected songs reflect on man’s search for perspective throughout life. Produced by Brett Kull, Slow Burn features a number of guest musicians who broaden and enrich the identifiable Fractal Mirror sound.”

“Described as ‘crossover prog’, alternative progressive and alt rock, Fractal Mirror combines rock, pop and progressive stylings, drawing comparisons to the Psychedelic Furs, Bowie, the Beatles, early Genesis and David Sylvian. Reviews described Garden of Ghosts as a ‘perfect balance between melancholy pop and truly grand melodic prog’; other reviews called it ‘magic, profound, stunning, addictive melodies, hauntingly beautiful’. Garden of Ghosts was featured on many ‘best of’ lists for 2014.”

Slow Burn is now available for pre-order through the Fractal Mirror website and will be released, on 22nd February, through Third Contact/Synergy Music.

13/01/16: Sunn O))) to reissue Dømkirke next month

Following on from the release of Kannon, the band’s seventh studio album, in December 2015, American drone metal exponents Sunn O))) reveal that Dømkirke is set for reissue, next month, on 2nd February. Originally recorded in 2007 at Norway’s Bergen Cathedral and as part of the Borealis Festival, Dømkirke, contains just four tracks with each track occupying one side of the album.

Visit the TPA Gig Guide for all the UK dates and more from across the prog spectrum.

12/01/16: ARW rumours take a step forward

Both Trevor Rabin and Jon Anderson have now confirmed, via their Social Media pages, that ARW will come together at some point this year.

Trevor Rabin simply confirmed “About the most I can say for now is that we have decided to tour”

Jon Anderson revealed plans to tour the US with the Anderson Ponty Band at some point this year, likely May or June time. He further added “…and at last I will start singing with Trevor and Rick later in the year as ARW, we have been writing some unique songs together , and feel it is time to go out together and perform on stage….all very exciting…

12/01/16: Yes 2016 European tour update

As revealed in July last year Yes would be performing in the UK and across Europe in 2016, performing both Fragile (71) and Drama (80) albums in their entirety – read the article HERE on TPA. To honour Chris Squire, who passed away in late June 2015, the band decided to continue touring with Billy Sherwood undertaking the bass role.

11/01/16: Fish concludes Farewell To Childhood tour

“Having lost the 2 German shows at the beginning of the last tour due to viral infection and the 3 Dutch shows due to John Beck’s accident I had to find a way to fulfill the gigs and at the same time make sense of the logistics and expense of an awkward routing and venue availabilities. After discussion with Yatta and my agents I decided to add some shows to fill the gaps and give me a short run in the UK and into Europe. What we have come up with is 17 dates that fit in with the availability of the band members and the bus , as it comes from Northern Ireland, as well as get to some places we didn’t play on the previous tour.

Tony Turrell will be on keyboards as John Beck, although now with his plaster removed from his broken arm, is still not gong to be fit for the dates which begin on the 9th April.”

“These will be the last shows on the ‘Farewell to Childhood’ tour and the last shows until at least next April when I intend to tour with the ‘Weltschmerz’ album which will be written and recorded between May 2016 and March 2017 and linked up with the 30th Anniversary final performances of the ‘Clutching at Straws’ album.”

11/01/16: Pendragon confirm final night of MO20 Tour

Pendragon have confirmed the final show for the MO20 20th Anniversary Show will be held at Glasgow’s – The Ferry on 22nd May

Visit the TPA Gig Guide for all the UK dates and more from across the prog spectrum.

09/01/16: Jadis reveal snippets from forthcoming Medium Rare 2 album

Jadis announce the release of the Medium Rare 2 digipak, scheduled for early spring 2016. The album will contain “some new and previously unreleased original tracks, acoustic and live songs, reworked and remixed studio tracks and a few cover versions”.

“The CD will be available as a digipak early spring 2016. More disc details and track listing nearer the time.”

11/01/16: Dream Theater release new official trailer

Ahead of its release of The Astonishing on 29th January 2016, Dream Theater release a new official trailer…

Find out more about The Astonishing concept HERE at Dream Theater’s website.

08/01/16: The Mute Gods premiere Feed The Troll

The Mute Gods premiere Feed The Troll taken from their forthcoming album, Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, to be released through InsideOut Music on 22nd January 2016.

07/01/16: N.y.X release The News in February 2016

Bad Elephant Music announce the release of The News, the new album by N.y.X on 5th February 2016. The album appearances from Adrian Belew and Trey Gunn. Listen to A Sarcastic Portrait, featuring Adrian Belew, which appeared on BEM’s Christmas Sampler:

“N.y.X.’s wholly unique, iconoclastic sound is further enhanced here by the matchless contributions of two of King Crimson’s finest: Adrian Belew and Trey Gunn both lend their guitar and soundscaping talents to the album, and additional guest appearances by jazz pianist Ivan Bridon Napoles and cellist Marco Allocco further enhance the mix, combining their own fine musicianship with the band’s artistic vision to conjure a concept piece overflowing with creativity.”

06/01/16: Cambridge Rock Festival announce first acts

The first bands announced for the 2016 festival are Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy, Dutch favourites Focus and Curved Air with Sonja Kristina at the helm. Also appearing will be Pink Fairies, HeKz, Purson and many more.

04/01/16: Acoustic album from Damian Wilson & Adam Wakeman released this week

01. Seek For Adventure
02. Weir Keeper’s Tale
03. Catch You When You Fall
04. Together Alone
05. Murder In A Small Town
06. Freedom Is Everything
07. God Be My Judge
08. People Come And Go
09. Cold

About the album Adam wrote: “With this album, Damian and I both wanted to capture a real cohesive album of our songs outside of the writing we do with Headspace and other heavier bands. It gave us an opportunity to really focus on the songs as singer songwriters, and to concentrate on telling individual stories.”

03/01/16: Davy O’List makes rare live appearance

Davy O’List will play a one off concert at The Borderline (London) on Saturday 23rd January 2016. Perhaps best known for his work with The Nice, along with Keith Emerson and as a founding member of Roxy Music. In March 2015 Davy O’List returned to his proggier roots with the release of his solo album, Second Thoughts, which featured Andy Tillison on keyboards and Dave Wagstaffe on drums.

02/01/16: Dave Bainbridge to release solo piano album

Although no official release date has been set, Dave Bainbridge’s reveals details on The Remembering, his latest solo piano album.

Dave comments: “Ever since studying music, art and art history as teenager I’ve been fascinated by the French Impressionist movement, both in art and music. The idea of capturing a fleeting scene, a brief moment in time, or a feeling evoked by a place or a person, has resonated with me throughout my musical life. Most people can link powerful memories to a certain piece of music, a picture, an aroma. Even when my mam was unable to remember words or people’s names as Alzheimer’s took hold, she was still able to remember how to play tunes on her accordion. In a sense, all the pieces on this album are impressions, a brief moment in time interpreted through the medium of music.”

MUSICIANS
Dave Bainbridge – Piano
Sally Minnear – Ethereal Vocals (8)

01/01/16: Big Big Train release promo trailer

Originally scheduled for 2015, Big Big Train will now release Stone and Steel, on Blu-ray and high-definition download on 7th March 2016. Ahead of the release the band today issued a promotional trailer…

“Alongside nine songs and documentary footage filmed at Real World in 2014, we have decided to include four songs from the Kings Place gigs this year, and to mix all performances in 5.1 as well as stereo.

Given a total running time which will approach three hours, we’ve also taken the decision to release Stone and Steel on Blu-Ray only to ensure the highest quality video and audio. It will also be available as a paid download via Vimeo.”

01/01/16: Arena release XX DVD next month

Arena will release XX on 12th February 2016. As TPA reported in March last year the band planned to record the material for the DVD on the Polish leg of the 20th Anniversary Tour – The Unquiet Sky tour. Speaking at that time Clive Nolan said:

“During the Polish leg of the tour the band will record their new DVD release. Clive Nolan: “The Arena ‘Unquiet Sky Tour’ is approaching fast and one of the highlights of these concerts will be the DVD show at the Rialto in Katowice on 9th April. We are promoting the new album as well as celebrating 20 years of Arena… it’s going to be quite a set list representing all our albums along the way, and maybe a few surprises..;) Don’t miss this chance to be a part of this little bit of history!”